Stillman defeats Tonono 52-22 to win state title

Key plays on offense, defense, and special teams helped the Stillman Valley Cardinals earn a convincing 52-22 victory over Tolono Unity Nov. 27, and claim the IHSA Class 3A State Title.

“We have to congratulate our kids,” said coach Mike Lalor.  “They did a heck of a job. It was a great effort overall.  We came up with some big plays in the second half.  We just did a tremendous job.”

The Cardinals received the ball in the first quarter and marched down the field in 3:35 to take an early 3-0 lead over the Tolono with a 21 yard field goal by Ryan Prusator.

Tolono responded to take a lead of their own with a 14 play drive in 5:51, and after the failed two point conversion they led 6-3.

The Cardinals responded with a five play, 71 yard drive capped off with Adam Cox on a 14 yard run to put Stillman back ahead.  Prusator’s extra point was good to bring the score to 10-6.

“The line was doing a good job blocking and opening holes,” said Cox.

The Cardinals never lost the lead following that score.

On the ensuing kickoff, junior John Timm forced a fumble and recovered the ball at the 33 yard line, and the offense turned it into points just 56 seconds later on a two yard run by Shawn Cox.

On the next Tolono possession it was the Cardinals defense who grabbed the spotlight.

Senior Trevor Svartoien intercepted a pass at the 25 yard line to turn the ball back to the Cardinals offense, and their lone pass play in the game resulted in a 25 yard touchdown to Matt Arnold.

The play was an option for the running back, Brandon Schwengels.

“It was a rush being out here in the stadium.  It was the biggest game of our life,” said Schwengels.  “Tolono gave us a good look. They played hard.”

Cardinals quarterback Dane Green injured his ankle with 4:46 left in the first half, and backup quarterback Scott Eller went in and continued running a nearly flawless offense.

“We have a lot of depth,” said Lalor.  “Scott came in and did an outstanding job.  We try to make sure our second quarterback gets repetitions in case something like this happens.  He showed great composure out there.”

Eller was glad he had a chance to play in the state title game, but he said the circumstances could have been better.

“Of course I did not want to get Dane hurt,” said Eller.  “I never expected to be out on that field. I did what we practiced and it felt great.  Everyone picked me up and gave me pats on the back.”

The Cardinals scored on the drive on a three yard rush by Adam Cox, and went into the halftime leading by 17 points, 31-14.

The Cardinals defense was caught off guard at the start of the third quarter.

The Tolono quarterback broke a tackle and ran 70 yards for a touchdown as they drew back within single digits, 31-22.

To respond, the Cardinals had a time consuming 21 play, 71 yard drive, capped off with a one yard rush from Adam Cox to bring the cardinals lead to 38-22.

“This was a key point,” said Lalor.  “We had to find a way to get the momentum back, and to gain control of the game.  The offensive line was there.  They found ways to get things done.  It took the heart out of Tolono.”

The Cardinals continued to add points to the score the rest of the way, and during the final four minutes Lalor tried to make sure every player on the team got a chance to hit the field.

When the final seconds ticked off the board, the Cardinals rushed the field and began celebrating a state title.

It had been six years since the Cardinals last won state. They won the Class 3A championship in 2003 when they defeated Wilmington 21-7.

“There has been a gap between this one and the last one,” said Lalor.  “We have great parents and great kids.”